Turuturu Mokai Hawera

Three ancient pa are grouped together at this once well-preserved historical site. A redoubt was subsequently built near the old pa site. It was occupied during the land wars of the 1860s and subject to an attack by Titokowaru's warriors on 12 July 1868. At the eastern end of the reserve, within the earthworks of Turuturumokai redoubt, is a memorialto the 10 men of the garrison, killed during the attack by Titokowaru’s forces under the command of Haowhenua in 1868.

The gates are open during daylight hours and there is a walkway which takes in the pa and redoubt sites. Allow 20 minutes for the walk. For a period unkempt in recent years because of an ownership dispute between Maori resulting from a Waitangi Treaty settlement, the pa site, with its impressive earthworks, was adopted by the Hawera community and was a popular picnic place in the mid-20th century. It and had a swimming pool and kiosk. An interesting review of its complex history is given in this Archaeological Association publication.

In 2016 Turuturu Mokai was given Wahi Tapu status.